The Great War: 1914-1918 Overview
The Great War: 1914-1918 is a turn-based strategy title that simulates the First World War. It offers a substantial number of scenarios, with 48 single-player maps divided equally between German and French forces, plus an additional 24 designed for two-player competition. Progression through these missions is sequential, requiring an access code from a completed map to unlock the next, and players can save their progress at any point.
Gameplay unfolds on a split screen where both sides issue orders simultaneously, allowing one player to move while the other executes attacks. The effectiveness of units is not static; they gain experience from inflicting damage, which in turn improves their combat accuracy and power. Terrain types and seasonal changes both play a role in shaping battle outcomes, adding a layer of tactical consideration.
Various unit types are available, each with distinct movement and weapon ranges, and new kinds are introduced as the conflict advances, including greater emphasis on aerial and naval warfare. Damaged units can be restored at depots, while factories serve as production points for new forces. Animated battle sequences can be toggled on or off according to player preference.
Beyond its strategic mechanics, the game incorporates an educational component. It presents historical facts and black-and-white photographs summarizing two-month periods of the war after each mission. Technical data and images of military units are also provided during gameplay, offering context about the era.
